Don't Plant a Pest! Give Them an Inch and They'll Take an Acre

Don't plant a pest! Give them an inch and they'll take an acre...

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A dense stand of pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), a garden plant that has invaded California wildlands.

Suggested alternatives for invasive garden plants More alternatives listed at the California Invasive Plant Council website: www.cal-ipc.org Southern California Version Don't Plant a Pest - Alternatives to invasive garden plants

Gardening Responsibly How to use this brochure: This brochure features the most common invasive non-native California is a gardener's dream. Our mild climate allows us pest plants that are sold in nurseries, and suggests safe to have fantastic gardens, showcasing a wide variety of alternatives for these plants. For a more extensive list of invasive non-native plants that are sold in nurseries and ornamental plants from all around the world. suggested alternatives, visit www.cal-ipc.org or CNPS websites Unfortunately, some of these plants from other parts of the listed on the back of this brochure. The alternatives listed are world have become serious invasive plants, threatening acceptable for vegetation management zones because they can California's biodiversity and economy. That's because some be pruned to decrease the accumulation of deadwood. of our garden plants don't stay in our garden. They "jump When you are buying new plants, full sun the fence" when seed, root or stem fragments spread to our consider these alternatives, or ask part shade natural areas. Once established in our natural areas, these your local nursery for other non- full shade plants grow so fast that they crowd out native vegetation, invasive, non-fire hazard plants. If block streams causing flooding, and produce so much one of the invasive or fire prone regular water plants is already in your yard, medium water biomass that they become especially if you live near a natural serious fire hazards. They area, we recommend that you remove low water also increase landscaping it and replace it with a suggested fire hazard maintenance costs and alternative. Invasive plants that contribute to the loss of spread aggressively by seed should be California native removed from all areas. recreational opportunities in our natural areas. Once Think about why you might plant one of the problem plants in invasive plants spread and the first place. If it is for appearance, finding a replacement is take over natural areas, often easy - some of the alternatives listed here are selected Pampas grass invading a natural especially for their similar appearance. If you need a plant to public resources are required area in Carlsbad, CA, where it has fill a functional role, such as a groundcover that grows well in to restore these lands. become a fire and flood hazard. a shady place, or a border plant that likes full sun, the alternatives listed here thrive in the same environments as Gardeners don't plant invasive or fire prone species problem plants. Care has been taken to suggest both California intentionally. Like other Californians, gardeners have a native plants, for those wishing to rediscover some of California's unique native plant heritage, as well as non-invasive deep respect for our state's rich natural heritage. The good non-native alternatives. Many of these alternatives are readily news is that most garden plants behave perfectly well in available, though others may be easiest to find in specialty or their intended roles. By choosing suitable replacements for native plant nurseries. the few problem plants, we can save ourselves and our Both native and non-invasive non-native plants have been neighbors trouble and expense while helping to protect recommended as alternatives in this brochure. When landscaping California's natural landscape from invasive plants. Not to adjacent to natural lands or preserves, we recommend you use mention reducing the risk of flood and fire damage to our locally native California plants. Care has been taken to ensure homes and property! that none of the recommended non-natives are invasive or a fire hazard. However, plants can adapt over time, and there is no guarantee that some of these plants will not themselves become Invasive plants are by nature a regional or local problem. A pests in the future. If the recommended alternatives are not plant that jumps out of the garden in one climate and watered or pruned, they too may become a fire hazard over time. habitat type may behave perfectly in another. The problem If you notice one of these alternatives invading natural areas, notify Cal-IPC. Pay close attention to plant names, since a few of plants listed here have escaped from gardens throughout our recommended plants may have invasive relatives - even in the the Southern California area. They are invading natural same genus or family. areas (see www.cal-ipc.org for photos of escaped plants). Invasive plants such as pampas grass (Cortaderia), fountain Because of their aggressive and rapid growth, some invasive grass (Pennisetum), and broom species have many cultivars and varieties. Until these cultivars and varieties can be independently non-native plants have also increased the flood and fire tested and verified, they are not recommended as substitutes. risk of our natural areas.

Southern California Version page 2 Don't Plant a Pest - Alternatives to invasive garden plants GROUND COVERS DO NOT PLANT! DO NOT PLANT! DO NOT PLANT! iceplant or English ivy, Irish ivy, periwinkle hottentot fig and Algerian ivy (Vinca major) (Hedera helix, H. hibernica, This aggressive (Carpobrotus edulis) H. caneriensis) This vigorous grower has trailing Some ivy species in the stems that root groundcover forms Hedera genus are a wherever they impenetrable mats problem in California. touch the soil. that compete They can smother Their ability to directly with native vegetation, including under-story vegetation, kill trees, and resprout from stem several rare and threatened plants. Small harbor non-native rats and snails. It's fragments enables mammals can carry seeds of iceplant from difficult to distinguish problem species from periwinkle to landscape settings to nearby natural areas. less invasive ones. Do not plant ivy near spread rapidly in shady creeks and Pieces of the plant can be washed into natural areas, never dispose ivy cuttings drainages, smothering the native plant storm drains and into natural areas where into natural areas, and maintain ivy so it community. Also avoid: cape ivy/ they become established. never goes to fruit. German ivy (Delairea odorata). Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden Photo by Richard Old www.xidservices.com Photos of these plants invading natural lands and open spaces can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org TRY THESE GROUND COVERS INSTEAD

wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys, T. lucidrys) ivory star jasmine or asian jasmine This plant can be sheared into a (Trachelospermum species) neat groundcover or allowed to Evergreen, vining groundcover up to grow to full height (about one 20' across. Has glossy, dark green foot), and produces lavender leaves and pale yellow, pinwheel- flowers in the spring. Compact shaped flowers with a jasmine scent. cultivars are available. Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical PlantFinder beach strawberry San Diego marsh elder (Fragaria chiloensis (Iva hayesiana) or Fragaria californica) This fast growing native is widely Forms lush compact mat 4"-6" high. Glossy dark green leaves, used for slope coverage and erosion white flowers. Mow or cut back control. Grows 1'-2' tall and 4'-6' annually to force new growth. across with inconspicuous flowers. Summer watering will help maintain a more lush appearance. common yarrow Prune annually to encourage new growth. (Achillea millefolium) ivy geranium Perennial groundcover from 1'-4' high. (Pelargonium peltatum) Can be used as a lawn substitute, will Glossy, bright green leaves with tolerate foot traffic. Produces white flowers in white, pink, rose, red flowers and should be pruned or and lavender. Vigorous ground- mowed annually. cover recommended for flat areas only, not suitable for erosion Also try: California wild grape (Vitis californica or V. girdiana), control. yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica), bear's foot hellebore (Hel- leborus foetidus), California honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata var. Also try: elijah blue fescue (Festuca cinerea 'Elijah Blue') denudata) or winter saxifrage (Bergenia cordifolia and hybrids)

Expanded list of alternatives can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org

Southern California Version page 3 Don't Plant a Pest - Alternatives to invasive garden plants ORNAMENTAL GRASSES DO NOT PLANT! REMOVE DO NOT PLANT! fountain grass pampas grass (Pennisetum setaceum and (Cortaderia selloana, C. jubata all cultivars and varieties) and all cultivars and varieties) Spreads aggressively by seed into natural areas by wind, Wind can carry the tiny seeds up water, or vehicles. Fast grower, to 20 miles. The massive size of impedes the growth of locally each pampas grass plant with its native plant species and accumulated litter reduces wildlife eventually takes over natural habitat, limits recreational areas. Also raises fuel loads and opportunities in natural lands, and creates a serious fire and fire frequency in natural areas. flood hazard. Sharp blades are hazardous to people, and plants Cultivars and varieties of this harbor pests such as rats and snakes. 'Sterile' varieties of this species, Pennisetum setaceum, plant have not been independently verified or tested and are should also be avoided. not recommended as substitutes.

Photos of these plants invading natural lands and open spaces can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org TRY THESE GRASSES AND GRASS-LIKE PLANTS INSTEAD blue oat grass (Helictotrichon deer grass sempervirens ) (Muhlenbergia rigens) Evergreen, bright blue-gray, Clumping perennial grass growing narrow leaves in fountain-like up to 3' tall with 2' plumes rising clump, 2'-3' high and wide. above the plant. Native to Cali- fornia, Native Americans used it Photo courtesy GardenSoft for making baskets. California fescue (Festuca californica) San Diego sedge Native bunch grass grows 2'-3' (Carex spissa) tall, flower stalks reach 5' tall, This large sedge has a form similar to blue-green leaves. that of an ornamental grass. Produces Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Botanical Garden gray leaves to 5' tall and yellow, grass- lavender like flowers in the spring. (Lavandula species) Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Botanical Garden With their purple flowers, lavenders can easily replace giant wild rye fountain grass. There are many species and varieties of lavender. (Leymus condensatus) Sweet lavender is able to tolerate a wide range of conditions Large clumping grass 4' 5' across including heat, humidity and cold. Other popular varieties of - and reaches 6' 8' tall in bloom. lavender are goodwin creek gray, French, and English lavender. - Distinct silver-gray foliage, prune They are fragrant and grow to about 1 1/2' -2' tall and bloom with bright lavender flowers which can be dried for lavender fragrance. annually to encourage new growth. Also try: purple needle grass (Nassella pulchra), purple three awn (Aristida purpurea), or alkali dropseed (Sporobolis airoides) Also try: Bigelow's bear grass (Nolina bigelovii)

Expanded list of alternatives can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org

Southern California Version page 4 Don't Plant a Pest - Alternatives to invasive garden plants SHRUBS DO NOT PLANT! REMOVE DO NOT PLANT! broom (bridal, French, acacia or western coastal Portuguese, Scotch, Spanish) wattle (Acacia cyclops) (Retama monosperma, Genista mon- spessulana, Cytisus striatus, Cytisus Coastal wattle has invaded scoparius, and Spartium junceum) many natural areas in southern California including wetlands Brooms have invaded over one and dry hillsides. It grows fast, million acres in California. The quickly out competing any flowers produce thousands of seeds that build up in the soil over time, surrounding native plants and creating dense thickets that obliterate entire plant and animal produces large amounts of seed, communities. Grows quickly, easily creating a fire hazard in ensuring its success. It grows so fast it's sure to take over your residential landscapes. 'Sterile' varieties of these plants haven't garden as well. Also avoid green wattle (Acacia decurrens) and been independently verified or tested and are not golden wattle (Acacia longifolia). recommended as substitutes. Photo courtesy Joseph M. DiTomaso

Photos of these plants invading natural lands and open spaces can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org TRY THESE SHRUBS INSTEAD bush marigold pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana (Tagetes lemmonii) or Feijoa sellowiana) Perennial shrub that can This evergreen shrub has scarlet and grow up to 6' tall. white flowers, as delicious as they are Evergreen leaves with beautiful, and waxy blue-green fruits yellow flowers that bloom with a minty-pineapple flavor. It is in winter and spring. easily shaped into a small tree. Photo copyright 2003 by Floridata.com bush poppy and island bush lemonade berry poppy (Dendromecon (Rhus integrifolia) rigida and D. harfordii) Evergreen shrub growing up to 6' California native evergreen shrub tall or can be maintained at 3'. with white to pink flowers and Leaves are blue-gray-green and red berries. Makes a great hedge the bush is covered in beautiful or screen. Areas with frost may yellow blooms. have better luck with its sister plant sugar bush (Rhus ovata). Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica) A California native with graceful silvery-green leaves, Attractive native California shrub, arching branches, and 6'-8' high. Bears black berries and whorls of purple flowers in tolerates all soil types. Ideal as a spring and summer. Grows background or screen plant. up to 4' tall. Also try: San Diego sunflower (Viguiera laciniata) Also try: holly-leaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia)

Expanded list of alternatives can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org

Southern California Version page 5 Don't Plant a Pest - Alternatives to invasive garden plants SHRUBS PALMS DO NOT PLANT! DO NOT PLANT! REMOVE myoporum Mexican fan palm and (Myoporum laetum) Canary Island date palm Grows aggressively and (Washingtonia robusta and produces many seeds, Phoenix canariensis) creating dense stands Did you know that palm trees are not which displace surround- native to coastal southern California? Most palms are good garden plants but ing native vegetation. these two species of palms are extremely Seeds are also spread by invasive- quickly becoming a pest in your birds. The outside of the garden and natural areas. Birds spread plant is lush and green the fruits of these two palms into areas but the interior of large where they grow quickly, displacing native trees and other plants accumulates many dead branches, making the plant a plants, decreasing the biodiversity of our natural areas. Dense potential fire hazard. groups of palms with untrimmed fronds harbor rats and snakes and can be a fire hazard. Photos of these plants invading natural lands and open spaces can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org TRY THESE SHRUBS INSTEAD TRY THESE PALMS INSTEAD toyon or Christmas berry king palm (Heteromeles arbutifolia) (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)

This California native is an evergreen shrub that produces delicate white Can grow up to 50' tall, with flowers and large clusters of brilliant beautiful clustered amethyst flowers. red berries that birds love. Can be Recommended for frost-free areas. pruned into a small tree.

sandankwa viburnum (Viburnum suspensum) pindo palms, jelly palms This evergreen shrub produces tight (Butia capitata) clusters of small, waxy, pinkish-white Can grow up to 20' tall. Grey-green flowers that give way to bright red foliage with red flowers and edible berries. Several compact varieties fruits. Tolerates frost, heat, aridity, are available. Photo courtesy Mark Shelby, University of Florida-IFAS Extension and poor soils. spiny redberry blue hesper palm (Rhamnus crocea) (Brahea armata) Medium evergreen California Blue-gray fronds with showy creamy native shrub. Grows 4'-10' yellow infloresences. Can grow up tall, equally high as wide. to 45' tall. Grows well in coastal, Produces beautiful red berries inland, valley and desert areas in springtime. Photo courtesy www.californiachapparal.com Also try: Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), Guadalupe palm (Brahea edulis), Chilean wine palm (Jubaea Also try: Pacific wax myrtle (Myrica californica) chilensis), California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera)

Expanded list of alternatives can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org

Southern California Version page 6 Don't Plant a Pest - Alternatives to invasive garden plants TREES DO NOT PLANT! DO NOT PLANT! Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) eucalytpus, blue gum, Pepper trees are not from and red gum California, they are from South (Eucalyptus globulus, E. camaldulensis) America. Seeds are transported by Grows aggressively, displacing sur- birds and mammals into natural rounding native plants. Excessive leaf areas. The aggressive growth of peppers enables them to displace litter and shade eliminates understory native trees and form dense plants. Fire departments throughout thickets in natural areas. They can also take over your yard and Southern California recommend become a maintenance nightmare. They produce undesirable against using eucalyptus trees for suckering and sprout countless unwanted seedlings throughout landscaping. any landscape. Also avoid: tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), bailey acacia (Acacia baileyana), Tamarisk species (Tamarix spp.), and Peruvian or 'California' pepper (Schinus molle)

Photos of these plants invading natural lands and open spaces can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org TRY THESE TREES INSTEAD

strawberry tree Australian willow (Arbutus unedo) (Geijera parvifolia) A gorgeous evergreen tree or Evergreen tree reaches a height of large shrub, grows 8'-35' tall. It 25'-30' tall, with 3"-6" long, narrow, produces masses of beautiful medium green colored leaves. Its white flowers, and textured, main branches sweep up and out, strawberry-like fruits. while the smaller branches tend to Photo courtesy Bob Perry hang down. chitalpa coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) (XChitalpa tashkentensis) Evergreen tree that can Chitalpa makes a great street reach 40' tall and 20' wide. tree with its compact size and Native to California, drought beautiful white or pink showy flowers. It is drought tolerant tolerant and attracts many birds and sterile, no messy seed and butterflies to your garden. pods! Grows 20'-30' tall. Photo courtesy Bob Perry Catalina ironwood and fern- fern pine leaved Catalina ironwood (Podocarpus gracilor) (Lyonothamnus floribundus and L. Evergreen tree, grows 20'-60' tall. floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius) Makes an excellent street tree or individual specimen in a park setting. Medium to large slender, One of the most pest-free trees, able upright tree with glossy green leaves. to tolerate a variety of soil conditions Grows 30'-60' tall. and temperatures. Can also be used Photo courtesy Bob Perry as a hedge or screen plant. Many species and varieties are available in Also try: California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), canyon live nurseries. oak (Quercus chrysolepis), Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii)

Expanded list of alternatives can be viewed at www.cal-ipc.org

Southern California Version page 7 Don't Plant a Pest - Alternatives to invasive garden plants

Based on a brochure by the Content developed by California Invasive Santa Margarita and San Luis Rey Plant Council Watersheds Weed Management Area www.smslrwma.org

Mission Resource Conservation District www.missionrcd.org

Content, production and ordering support from:

Project NIIMBY (No Invasives In My Back Yard) A project of Carlsbad Watershed Network's Invasive Species Control and Restoration Program www.carlsbadwatershednetwork.org www.sanelijo.org

Southern California Horticultural Society www.socahort.org

www.CNPS.org California Native Plant Society Southern California Chapters: www.cnpssd.org www.lacnps.org www.sccnps.org www.cnps-sgm.org

Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District www.rcrcd.com

San Diego Weed Management Area www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/weedmgtareas/wma_index_hp.htm

San Dieguito River Park (JPA) www.sdrp.org

Carl Bell, UC Cooperative Extension Invasive Plant Advisor: www.cesandiego.ucdavis.edu

Vincent Lazaneo, UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program: www.mastergardenerssandiego.org All photos courtesy Cal-IPC (www.cal-ipc.org) unless otherwise indicated

Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part through an Agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) pursuant to the Costa-Machado Water Act of 2000 (Proposition 13) and any amendments thereto for the implementation of California's Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the SWRCB, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

Southern California Version page 8